C-Flex Naval C2 System

Terma’s C-Flex command and control system (C2/C3/C4I) is especially suitable for Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPV), and Patrol Vessels (PV) and provides a confident real-time situational awareness display and a range of tools for operators to command, plan, and make time-critical decisions in missions like law enforcement, Search & Rescue, and peace keeping.

Introduction

Command and control

Securing the maritime domain and the sea lines of communication (SLOC) is becoming more and more important as a majority of modern trade is transported by sea. The level of illegal activities from smugglers, sea robbers, pirates, illegal immigrants, as well as fishermen is increasing and poses a threat to our modern way of life including free trade and transportation between countries and continents. Navies, coast guards and marine police worldwide are tasked with the job to ensure maritime safety and security. This involves patrolling of own territorial waters, from the littoral to the 200 NM border of the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), enforcing national and international laws, and conducting efficient missions for surveillance, policing, inspection, Search & Rescue, as well as humanitarian and environmental operations.

The C-Flex command and control system is a modern, flexible solution that supports the full mission cycle for maritime domain security and surveillance by integrating the shipborne sensor and weapon systems to generate a real-time confident situational awareness display. C-Flex is operational on maritime platforms ranging from Frigates to Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPV) and Patrol Vessels (PV). C-Flex enhances surveillance, communication, and enforcement capabilities by supporting tasks such as law enforcement, interception, anti-piracy, Search & Rescue, as well as supporting naval operations. The accuracy and effectiveness of the C-Flex system allows for the commanding officer to make time-critical decisions and perform actual target engagement.

The C-Flex C2 system provides interface to all C-Series modules, enabling configuration of a standard Command & Weapon Control System (CWCS). If desired, other sensor systems, fire control systems, missiles, and weapon system can also be integrated with C-Flex. The C-Series maritime and naval systems suite is modular and configurable, and can be upgraded step-by-step with your growing need for support of flexible mission profiles. The C-Series modules are: C-Flex, C-Guard, C-Sim, C-Link, and C-Fire.

Sensor fusion

The C-Flex system interfaces with shipborne sensors, such as navigation sensors (GPS, Gyro, Log), navigation radars, surveillance radars, electronic support measure (ESM) systems, electro optical surveillance systems (EOS) together with identification systems, such as AIS (Automatic Identification System) and IFF (Identification, friend or foe). All sensor data is correlated and fused into system tracks with symbol and color coding for type of vessel, identification, etc. The track data is plotted on top of an Electronic Chart Display and Information System (ECDIS) / sea chart together with radar video from navigation radars and surveillance radars (user selectable) providing an integrated and confident situational awareness of the tactical situation.

Decision support

A set of tools is available for detection and analysis of abnormal track behavior, such as sudden change of course and speed, violation of go/no-go zones, diversion from expected sailing routes, and other abnormal behavior to support and enable decision making. The C-Flex system provides an integrated recording facility of both the tactical situation, video from Electro Optical surveillance systems and written notes – all time stamped and synchronized for documentation/evidence of mission and incidents.

Modular and scalable

The C-Flex system is operated from Multi-Function Consoles (MFC) and is scalable from a 1-console solution for a small Patrol Vessel to a large 24-console solution for a Frigate. For Patrol Vessels and Offshore Patrol Vessels, 1-3 Multi-Function Consoles will be sufficient for solving the ship’s missions and will only take up limited space for easy installation. For Amphibious Vessels as well as Combatants like Corvettes and Frigates, the number of Multi-Function Consoles is typically more dependent upon the missions to be solved.

The C-Flex system is based on using industrial grade COTS (Commercial-Off-The-Shelf) hardware as well as modern COTS software such as MS-Windows and Linux operating systems. The software provides an Open Architecture which separates the core software from the operating system and enables easy addition of further sensors and effectors, simply by adding the driver (interface) and related HMI.

Benefits

Terma's C-Flex system has been in daily operation in the Gulf of Aden since the beginning of 2009.

Confident situational awareness

Sensor data is collected, cleaned, analyzed, and presented with clear graphical information and categorization overlaid on ECDIS/sea charts. In addition, raw radar video from surveillance radar and navigation radar is overlaid allowing for visual confirmation of tracks by the radar echo and to investigate echoes and plots.

Efficient decision making

Automatic analysis of the tactical situation provides means for making decision on next steps in an incident or conflict, e.g. by calling violator/suspicious track on VHF radio, interception by RHIB or helicopter, reporting irregularities to national and/or international authorities, evidence collection (recording), gun engagement (for warning or for neutralization), etc.

Air asset control

Helicopter operations are made easy and safe by the integration of either the Terma SCANTER 6002 or the Terma SCANTER 4102 surveillance radars that can follow and track the helicopter until it hovers over the flight deck. Tools are provided for operators to guide helicopter landing and to direct friendly air assets (both fixed wing and rotary wing aircraft).

Single or multi operators

The C-Flex is fully scalable from 1-operator Multi-Function Console suitable for small Patrol Vessels up to a system with 24-operator Multi-Function Consoles for Frigates and command ships, making it the ideal choice for all types of naval and coast guard vessels.

Weapon control

Through integration of weapon systems, e.g. C-Fire, any Multi-Function Console operator will be able to track and engage a target with the shipboard gun mounts. Other weapon systems like SSM, SAM, Torpedo Systems, etc. can be integrated for control of OEM software from any of the Multi-Function Consoles or to receive target designation for control from own operator console. C-Flex interfaces with the ship’s weapon system, typically via a fire control system – like C-Fire – or by target designation outputs to stand-alone weapon control systems.

Network based operations

The C-Link module is a Tactical Data Link system used for providing a Common Operational Picture to own cooperating assets, coalition forces, and Headquarters by exchange of track data. C-Link enables a shared recognized maritime picture to multiple vessels, shore commands, and airborne units (maritime patrol aircraft and helicopters), which boosts mission effec¬tiveness and increases surveillance capabilities over the horizon

Field proven

C-Flex is built on more than 30 years of C2 experience, and is proven on a number of vessels ranging from small Patrol Vessels (PV) and Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPV) to large Frigates and command ships. C-Flex is installed on the Royal Thai Navy Amphibious Vessel / Landing Platform Dock (LPD). Since the beginning of 2009, the C-Flex system has been used in international operations where the Royal Danish Navy has deployed their ABSALON and WILLEMOES classes.

The Danish Flexible Support Ship "ABSALON" on patrol mission at the Gulf of Aden